The below information was sent, via email to all volunteers and staff across SSAFA, on 14 August 2025.
To: all volunteers, employees, trustees
Dear colleagues,
Focus: the final region of 2025 to start transition into the NDP
The NDP rollout is progressing well, with six branches already transitioned. Next up are the remaining branches in the East of England, South East, and London, which are on track for completion by the end of October.
The West Midlands will be the final region to join in 2025, completing the Central area alongside the East of England and the East Midlands. By year-end, six of our eleven regions will be operating under the NDP model.
We’ll pause transitions over the festive period, with the 2026 schedule to be shared this Autumn in preparation for next year.
NDP is built on our shared strengths - dedication, innovation, and commitment. While change takes time, those we support will feel the benefits. Here’s a closer look at what’s ahead.
When is this happening in the West Midlands region?
The transition for the region will be gradual, ensuring everyone is well informed and prepared. The preparation period is already underway followed by a gradual transition of branches into the NDP over a period of weeks from the beginning of November.
Transition dates for the West Midlands:
W/C 3 November 2025 - first branches move into NDP
- W/C 1 December 2025 - last branches move into NDP
How will it be done?
Preparation prior to moving into NDP:
The week your branch transitions into NDP:
Caseworkers and live casework move to become the responsibility of the regional office.
- Caseworkers are led and supported by the regional office on all casework matters.
- Branch/divisional client account monies are moved to the Regional Office Client Account.
- Branch chairs remain responsible for the leadership of their branch volunteers and all community engagement activities and are supported by their Community Engagement Manager (CEM).
- You receive information on how to login into GoAssemble (the new Volunteer Management System - VMS), and you now use this for all communications rather than Microsoft Office 365.
We will keep you updated at very regular intervals so that you know what is happening, and if you are unsure at any point, you can contact your Branch Chair, regional office, or [email protected].
I’m a volunteer in the West Midlands, when will I get more information?
Your branch chair and regional manager will share detailed information and timelines with you. In addition, we are arranging face-to-face briefing meetings in your region which you should have received an invitation to already. If you would like to attend one of these sessions, please confirm your attendance via the registration form.
We are also planning two online town halls, open to all volunteers across the network, in early October. Invitations will be sent out soon with further details. The town halls will be recorded and made available on SSAFAnet and the Volunteer Knowledgebase.
Every volunteer will receive email updates at set points during transition – four weeks prior, two weeks prior and one day prior to your migration over to GoAssemble. Those affected by O365 closures will also revive an additional two-week reminder, before their account is closed.
What will I need to do?
Plans are nothing without people, and none of this will happen without the continued support and dedication of you all, our vital volunteers and employees.
The Project team and your regional employee teams will be in touch with relevant preparation plans, depending on your role and branch.
At this moment we merely ask that you regularly check your emails for updates/invitations to briefings, and if you can, please take a little time to read the information that is available using the links below. You can sign up for GoAssemble training at any time, however we would recommend selecting a session close to your transition date so that the information is fresh when you receive your GoAssemble log in details.
Where can I get more information?
The NDP Frequently Asked Questions document covers a range of topics addressing questions raised during and since the trials.
The Volunteer Knowledgebase is accessible to all volunteers and employees and contains detailed information on processes and procedures for all volunteer activities.
NDP Information Hub on SSAFAnet and the NDP Information Hub on the Volunteer Knowledgebase both provide a variety of information on NDP – including caseworker feedback videos, Town Hall presentations, transition guidance and copies of past updates.
If you have further questions, please contact the NDP Project team [email protected].
Many thanks,
The Network Delivery Project team